Riding with a group has increased my avg speed by 2-4 MPH for a 2 hour-ish ride.

I am lucky in that Austin has the largest all-women's cycling club around. There are more than 100 women in the club. Some race, some don't.

In August, I finished a century with my club with an average at the end of 100 miles at 17.8 mph.

There is no possible way I could do that alone, or just with my husband, but also my solo rides are faster now. I'm just stronger, and my technique has improved which also increases speed.

Riding with a group provides an incredible motivation to keep up. This pushes me to go harder for as long as I can. The threat of getting dropped is a big motivator to dig deep and find a little more power.

I began riding 3 years ago. My average on a 2-3 hour weekend solo ride has increased from working hard to squeek out a 13 to easily averaging 15, sometimes higher, depending on terrain and wind.

The things that have made the most improvement for me are:
1)Ride with a group that is faster than me
2)Ride a lot
3)Drop some weight

I also participated in several clinics put on by my club which have taught me technique that has helped improve my speed as well as handling, comfort, and enjoyment.